Impreza GX 1998 won't start, possibly related to water leak

[jdh2425]

Hi,

This is my first post on this forum. I tried searching and couldn't find anything regarding this topic. Sorry if it's been covered already.

Basically I have an old 1998 Impreza GX and have an*intermittent*problem with it not starting. When I turn the ignition on, power comes on the dash and the start motor makes the normal noise like it's trying to turn over, but the engine won't start. I suspect it is related to a water leak because when it rains heavily my car smells damp and this problem seems to only happen after heavy rain.

Once when it wouldn't start I called the NRMA, they said it was most likely an electrical issue, maybe related to the ECU. Apparently the battery was ok. The problem is that it happens intermittently. It has been sunny recently and the car has been starting fine. I have taken it to a mechanic and he said it might be the starter motor but because it's running fine now there isn't much he can do.

I have it booked in to see an auto electrician next week but I'm concerned I'll have to fork out hundreds of dollars and they might just give the same response as the mechanic.

I can clutch start the car when I have this problem.

Any feed back or advice would be much appreciated. Even advice regarding typical water leak areas on this model. I have temporarily sealed the top of the windscreen because it looks like the rubber has broken there.

Thanks so much.

Jess

[RSR 555]

Main issue with the impreza and water is the location on the ECU. It's right under your passenger's feet just below the glovebox and if you have a water leak from the front windscreen, my best guess would be moisture around the ECU. I'd be getting someone to check for spark and injector pulse